While SkyDrive is an effective tool for storing files online and sharing them between computers, you need to be aware of its limitations to avoid running into errors in the middle of an important meeting or project. SkyDrive limits its users to a maximum size limit per file, as well as an overall storage limit that depends on the SkyDrive plan you're signed up to.

File Size Limits

The size limit for files uploaded to SkyDrive is 2GB, whether you are transferring files using your browser or the SkyDrive desktop application. On older browsers, you may not be able to upload files more than 300MB in size if they are incompatible with the newer HTML technology built into SkyDrive. In Windows, right-click on a file and choose "Properties" to see its size; in Mac OS, right-click and choose "Get Info."

SkyDrive Storage

In addition to the 2GB size limit for individual files, you mustn't exceed the overall storage limit of your SkyDrive account. How much space is available to you depends on the amount of storage you've paid for: Microsoft offers 7GB of storage space free of charge for new users, which can be upgraded to 50GB or 100GB for an annual fee. In addition, Microsoft occasionally bundles extra space with its other products, such as the Office software suite.

Upload Options

Files can be added to SkyDrive by logging into the service in any modern Web browser (useful for adding files when you're away from your main computer) or via the official desktop client, which you can download for free from the Microsoft website. Any files added to your designated SkyDrive folder are automatically uploaded to your online account while the desktop client is running. An official Modern UI app is also included in Windows 8, enabling you to upload files from your computer manually.

Troubleshooting Problems

If you come across problems uploading files to SkyDrive, check the file is less than 2GB in size and that you have enough free space to store it. Make sure you have the correct permissions to access the file and folder in question. Uploaded files cannot contain any special characters in their names and must have a folder path less than 442 characters in length to be uploaded successfully (so you may have to move the file or rename the associated folder). Signing out and then back in to SkyDrive, upgrading your browser and clearing your browser's temporary cache may also help to resolve issues.

About the Author

An information technology journalist since 2002, David Nield writes about the Web, technology, hardware and software. He is an experienced editor, proofreader and copywriter for online publications such as CNET, TechRadar and Gizmodo. Nield holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and lives in Manchester, England.